Explanation of Plasma Vs. LCD TVs

The two main players in the high-definition TV marketplace are LCD and plasma displays. Both offer stunningly crisp and clear HD pictures. But there are a few fundamental differences between the two.

Technology

Plasma TVs produce a picture by passing an electrical current through an inert gas sealed between two thin glass plates. LCD TVs use a phosphorescent or LED backlight to pass light through tightly packed pixels in a liquid crystal matrix. LCD backlighting can be replaced to extend the service life of the set, something that cannot be done with a plasma TV.

Off Axis Viewing

Plasma TVs have a wider viewing angle than LCD. This means those off to the sides of the TV will still be able to view the screen without much degradation in picture quality.

Color Contrast

Contrast is the difference between absolute white and absolute black. TVs with a higher contrast ratio can display a wider, more accurate range of colors. Plasma TVs can achieve deeper blacks than LCD and often have a better overall picture quality as a result.

Cost

Plasma TVs are cheaper to manufacture than LCD TVs of the same size. Therefore, all things being equal, a plasma TV will be lower in price than an equivalent LCD TV.

Power Consumption

LCD TVs, particularly those with LED backlighting, use less power than plasma TVs. But this largely depends on individual viewing habits. Using extremely bright display settings such as "Vivid" mode can negate this power savings somewhat.

Weight

LCD TVs generally weigh less than plasmas. This largely is because of the fact plasma TVs have two plates of glass as opposed to only one plate in an LCD.

References

• Plasma vs. LCD: Which Is Right for You?
• Plasma vs. LCD: Six Things You Need to Know